Food bank ettiquette question

[missmich]

I just started to make use of the local food banks here. I always tell them that I don't eat meat,chicken or fish so they don't add that and me end up wasting it. Today they gave me tea,which I love! I have a lot all ready but really shouldn't be drinking it.

Is it ok to tell them that I don't need any tea since I'm not allowed to drink it and that I don't need any milk or eggs (some offer these items) since I'll getting more then enough from another program?

[SleeplessMommy]

Yes.

[leavemealone]

I would think that it would be fine to let them know what you cannot use so they can give it to someone who can us it.

[SophieAnn]

Originally Posted by sandcastle

I would think that it would be fine to let them know what you cannot use so they can give it to someone who can us it.

I've volunteered at our local food bank, and from that perspective, absolutely it would be appreciated if you let them know what you won't need, because they will then have more available for others.

It is very thoughtful of you to not want to take anything that will go to waste. If there's something different that you could use more of, then you could probaby request it as well.

I remember there were special requests for things like baby formula, diapers, menstrual pads, dog food, cat food, etc. The food bank will have lots of items that they don't automatically include in the packages for families.

[bigteamug]

YES!

Especially since the protein items are often the ones in short supply.

[missmich]

Oh ok good thanks. I didn't want to seem picky. I just know that a lot of people enjoy tea and since I can't drink it I don't want to waste it. Especially the milk though since I'll be getting tons soon anyway. I now that others who don't get it for free will love to if they can get "my share" from the food bank.

[Satori]

The few times we have needed to go in the past I just kept my mouth shut after I explained we couldn't go wheat or dairy and they brought out a lot of both and got really snippy when I explained we couldn't use it due to food allergies and to leave it for others. After that I just took it and gave it to friends I knew needed it.

[heidirk]

Our food bank asks us to donate back anything non-perishable that we do not want. TBH lots of stuff goes back.

I had actually called them when we found out that dS1 can't tolerate any food dyes or HFCS at all, and asked that they not include those items. The lady did get huffy, and said something like, 'Look, we can't go through all of the ingredients for everyone, you know!' I calmly explained that if they simply did not include any candy or kid's cereals, that would be fine. She calmed down, and said that she would make a note of that, and I thanked her. I added that if they had the opportunity, we would take any of the strange organic stuff no one else wants.

So far they've done very well, too.

[Princess ConsuelaB]

Well tbh, it's a charity, handing out free food, which we are asking for, because we don't have any; so we take what they give us and say thank you then share what we can't use with our neighbors who also need it.

[justmama]

I think you should phrase it in a certain way so nobody gets huffy. Just tell them, "i get a lot of milk and eggs through wic(or whatever it is) so I won't need those items and you can give them to someone else who really could use them." Saying it that way and giving that quick explanation of your reasons will help them not get angry thinking that you are trying to be fussy about what you get and help them understand that you really want to just get what you need and leave what you don't for others. Around here if you didn't phrase it that way, you'd be looking at a LOT of backlash.

[missmich]

Yeah I'll word it well and sound polite so they don't think I'm being picky. I also won't say anything about the rice they give me lol! Food banks always seem to give rice! I don't eat it t hat much,but I will get creative and start eating it more. I can use my eggs and milk in it for some dishes! Like rice pudding! mmmmmm yummy!

[number572]

I also think its 95% in the wording and 5% in the person you happen to speak with. Maybe hang back for a few minutes and see which volunteer/employee is smiling and sending people away happy. I do this at stores & it generally works.

And if that fails, accept the food & sell it to your roommate!! lol, Just kidding, that may fall into the "its tacky" category.

[wombatclay]

DD1 was diagnosed with celiac disease and can't eat gluten (which shows up in random places). The local food bank wont "customize" anything, but they don't mind if we go through the bag and hand back obvious "problem" foods (like pasta or breaded items) so someone else can use it.

There is usually a table of "help yourself" stuff and we've had to explain why we sometimes seem to take "more than our share" of this pile... sometimes the bag of rice is literally the only thing in the prepared bag that we can eat. But that's the only time we've had anyone comment, and often I'll explain dd1's medical condition before picking out items and the staffer is often very helpful!

[missmich]

Well the one that I went to they are all super nice! I'd never been there before and didn't know what to expect really since I've never used a food bank in this province. I walked in and went down the stairs and a bunch of older men were standing around chatting and all smiles. One said hello and I asked if this was the food bank and he said yes it sure is. I said great well great it's my first time here and he asked how I heard about them and was so happy when I said they were on Google he told everyone else there,he yelled out to the people in the back rooms! lol I noticed his name on his shirt and it also said Irish and well,Irish people tend to be very friendly and open and love to talk and I'm also Irish (lol) so I said to the man "You're Irish so am I" and we kinda hit it off right then and there! Then he introduced me to all all the other Irish men! They told me the best day to go is Wednesday cuz that's when they get the fresh veggies in! I got a nice cucumber that I'd been really wanting. It's helped a bit with the nausea!

[Purple*Lotus]

My FIL worked closely with the food bank in our town, and basically they pre bag foods up to include a nice balance and hand them out. I agree with the PP who said it will all depend on who you speak with. I don't see a problem with looking in the bag and saying "Oh I am allergic/can't eat this tuna, I wouldn't want to keep them from someone else who needs it!" and then they can put it back on the shelf. Shouldn't be a huge deal.

[frugalmama]

here you just get a sealed pre-packaged bag or box. Every time we go it's got at least 1 jar of peanut butter and oatmeal packets, both of which DD is allergic to. They WON"T take it back either. Makes it a PITA to get rid of as here you have to show your ID to donate to most food banks to ensure you aren't donating stolen items or items purchased with food stamps or WIC.

The only time I have ever had them ask was when I went to this little church one nearby, and they asked did I know how to use ham hocks {they didn't want to give them if I didn't know how to cook them} since it was a African American church and I am white. Not racist or anything - just most white folks here don't know how to cook them they said.

[wombatclay]

here you have to show your ID to donate to most food banks to ensure you aren't donating stolen items or items purchased with food stamps or WIC.

wow! Our church (unitarian) collects dry/canned food items during the service each week so anything we have that we can't use goes into that collection. The food is split between a soup kitchen and a food bank (neither run by the church). Is there a soup kitchen or salvation army kitchen that would take donations without carding?

[missmich]

If you can't a friend that could use it maybe drop it off at the food bins at the grocery stores. Our stores normally have a food bank box that we can put donations of food into.

[zebra15]

Here everything is pre-boxes/bagged up and its 'take what you get'. The food bank really does not have the ability to accomodate. Maybe its because we are a huge city and the food banks are empty IDK. I totally understand food allergies etc but I agree with the PP, smile, take what you get and move on.